Category Archives: applique

Wooly-Wooly

Make this fun Wooly sheep project this weekend.

This adorable duo is available for you to download today at Craftsy.com

Photoshoot crasher!

How it all started…

This little quilt was made out of 100% recycled wool. I used felted sweaters and other clothing to make this primitive little wall hanging. It was so popular with my friends and family that they all encouraged me to make it into a quilt pattern.

The Original Wooly-Wooly

I know a lot of quilters don’t work in wool so I wanted to remake the quilt in a way that all quilters could enjoy it.

So, many many days later…. I finally finished the pattern.

It takes quite awhile from idea to prototype to writing instructions and testing and revising and editing.

Here is a close up.

If you like “Country” , “Primitive” , or “Folk Art” ; this is the pattern for you.

Did I mention there are full directions for a table runner too?

I always want to give my customers a little more.

Pictures to come soon….

This pattern lends itself to your personal touches. It can be made in cottons, flannels, or especially wools.

The little flowers along the bottom look great done in applique or substitute buttons or yo-yos.

Take this pattern and combine it with your favorite tote bag or pillow pattern and you have a wonderful conversation starter or perfect gift for that extra special someone.

This pattern will be available for a limited time at the introductory price of just $4.50 for a pdf download at Craftsy. I will be adding it to Etsy and Patterspot in the near future, but I like Craftsy the best because it is available to download over and over and if I ever update the pattern to (add more cool stuff) you get all the changes!

Like this:

Buttonhole Stitch or Blanket Stitch:

Isn’t it funny how one stitch is known by several different names? This is an easy one once you get the hang of it. Don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t come easy at first, it will click at some point and you’ll have it forever more.

1. Start at the outside of the patch (A) on the left if you are right-handed and on the right if you are left-handed.

2. Insert the needle into the patch close to the edge (B). (1/4″ is a good distance to begin with.)

3. Bring the needle up at the edge of the patch in a straight line (C). Be sure to catch the thread under the tip of the needle.

It is finally finished!

My beloved little quilt pattern is finally finished. I have been working on this one for a looooonnnnnnnggggggg time! I wanted it to be just right.

There is so much more to pattern designing than just coming up with a cute design. There are pictures and directions, fonts, and so many things to think about that I never thought about before, but it is done now. I am quite pleased and excited to be finished with this adorable little pattern.

This is great for a beginner or for a more experienced quilter.

To celebrate the completion of Blooming Bluebirds I want to have a giveaway!

I am going to give away 4 PDF copies of my pattern to loyal readers and followers of my blog. At this point there aren’t many of you, so you have a pretty good chance of winning. I’d love to get the word out to more people so if you might consider sharing this post with your friends and family and followers on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Pinterest or just forward the link in an email I would so appreciate it. (There are sharing buttons to make it easier.)

To win: Leave me a comment on this blog below or on Facebook!

I’ll pick the winners randomly on May 14th so lets spread the word.

If you would like to buy a pattern they are available in both PDF format and traditional printed form here on this site, on Etsy, Craftsy, and on Pattern Spot. Thank you for your support!

I’m going to start a series of blog post that I am going to call a Peek into the Past.

I have been quilting for a long time and over that time I have explored many different techniques.

I can’t go into them all in-depth here, but I thought you might enjoy seeing a bit of them from time to time.

The first peek is a quilt that is hand appliqued, hand quilted and hand embellished. It has 4 seams sewn on the sewing machine and the binding, but a lot of it was done by hand. It was completed in 2000.

Applique….

Personally, I love applique. I find it very relaxing to have some handwork available to do at anytime.

The true secret to successful applique is …..

Try lots of different techniques until you find the one that is perfect for you or a combination of different techniques that work for you.

I have been practicing the craft for many years and have tried lots and lots of techniques.

There is

needle turn

fusible

back basting

reverse

take-a-way

raw edge it goes on and on.

My applique style is a mix of many styles.

Today, while searching for a little advice for placement, which is one thing that can drive me crazy from time to time. I discovered a wonderful little blog.

Erin Russek designs wonderful, colorful appliques. She also has a great technique for starching her applique pieces. I’ve done this with circles before like Karen K. Buckley, but I had never tried it on ALL my pieces.

Good thread. I suggest a quality thread like Aurifil 50 wt or silk 100 wt thread. I used to use only silk, but now I am switching over to Aurifil because it is much more versatile. You can use it for applique, and it is great for general piecing because it is thin enough that it doesn’t affect your seam.. It is strong, and not linty at all. It is a great thread available in lots and lots of yummy colors.

Good Needles. I like a thin “Straw” or “Sharp” size 10 or 11, but needles are like sewing machines, you need to try several to find the one you like the best.

I hope you will try applique for yourself and see how truly enjoyable it is.